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June 20, 2023
Avisena recently hosted a remarkable symposium for General Practitioners (GPs), where a total of 83 esteemed GPs actively participated in the enlightening session led by our esteemed specialists. The pivotal role of GPs as frontliners in patient identification for cancer is of utmost significance, making their contributions invaluable within the healthcare ecosystem.
Dr Ragu Ramasamy, Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is Malaysia’s second most prevalent cancer (13.2%). The increasing cases are linked to improving socioeconomic status and westernized lifestyles. It’s concerning that younger individuals are developing colorectal cancer. Early detection, ideally starting at 50 years old, is crucial. Red-flag symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and anemia. Screening, with colonoscopy as the gold standard, holds great importance.
Dr. Sarinah Basro, Consultant General, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women globally, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The rise in young breast cancer cases poses additional challenges. However, advances in systemic treatment, such as less aggressive surgery and personalized approaches, have improved outcomes. Any woman with a breast lump should be investigated. As for thyroid nodules, those larger than 1cm should be evaluated. Nodules smaller than 1cm require evaluation if there are suspicious ultrasound findings, enlarged lymph nodes, a history of head/neck radiation, or a family history of thyroid cancer.
Dr. Reynu Rajan, Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Malaysia holds the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia and is the second highest in Asia. Being overweight contributes to 13 types of cancer. Excess fat cells lead to inflammation, increased hormone and growth factor production, and higher cell division rates, increasing the risk of cancer. Obesity management options include lifestyle changes, medication, or bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment, offering a second chance at life rather than a quick fix solution.
Dr. Mohd Raffiz Mohd Ali, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon
Cancer of the Central Nervous System can affect the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system. Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea, changes in behavior, weakness, vision or speech difficulties. Spine tumor symptoms include back pain, muscle weakness, numbness, unsteady gait, and fractures. Treatment involves surgical and oncological approaches, including tissue biopsy, decompression, stabilization, and recent advancements such as intraoperative radiation therapy and image-guided surgery.
Dr. Azura Rozila Ahmad, Consultant Medical Oncologist
Cancer, one of the oldest known diseases, remains a leading cause of death globally with 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Common cancers include lung, prostate, colorectal, breast, and cervical. Prevention is possible by addressing risk factors like tobacco use and unhealthy lifestyles. Early detection and effective treatment improve survival rates. Though innovative drugs exist, they may be costly to access.
Dr. Melven Kok Chee Shing, Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Individuals with fatty liver (steatosis) should be screened for other causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including assessing alcohol consumption. Liver fibrosis scans are a reliable alternative to liver biopsy for detecting liver fibrosis. Liver screening guidelines include biannual screening for individuals above 40 with HBV infection, frequent screening for HCV infection and F3 fibrosis, surveillance for cirrhosis and related conditions, and unclear surveillance for NAFLD patients without cirrhosis. Alpha-fetoprotein and liver function tests are employed for screening.
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